Africa: A New Front in the US-Iranian Cold War?

It is no secret the US and Iran are engaged in a regional Cold War throughout the greater Middle East from Herat to Beirut. Iran has become increasingly geo-politically isolated in the Persian Gulf, Levant, and Central Asia. Suppression of largely Shi’a protesters in the Gulf kingdoms, surging democratic protests in the Levant, and North African revolutions are quickly changing the geo-political status quo. As the rhetoric and political action seemingly continue to build over on-going Iranian nuclear ambitions it is worth looking at proxy theaters that may see secondary or diversionary action related to the core issues of the Iranian problem for Western, American, and Gulf based policy makers.

Eritrean involvement potentially draws in the regional powers Kenya and Ethiopia, both of which play prominent roles in the US counterterrorism strategy for East Africa. Their own security interests are threatened by links between Eritrea and Yemeni rebels. Eritrea is also suspected of directly supporting Al Shabaab, the region’s major security threat. There is also some question as to what degree Somali immigrants are fusing links between Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Al Shabaab. The US currently estimates AQAP poses a severe threat to US interests while Al Shabaab continues to expand its operations as highlighted by the 2009 World Cup bombings in Kampala, Uganda. All of these facts make Iranian involvement, even on the periphery, a concern for US policy makers.

About the Author

Major Jason B. Nicholson is a US Army Sub-Saharan Africa Foreign Area Officer currently posted to US Embassy Uganda. His previous posts include US Embassy Tanzania, the Army Staff, and the Joint Staff. He particularly follows stories connecting the Gulf and Levant to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Comments

A couple thoughts on Iran in Senegal- Iran has contributed to the development of economy of Senegal with the SenIran vehicles built in Senegal. Although pervasive in Dakar, many taxi drivers with SenIran vehicles don't like them because of their poor gas mileage and frequent breakdowns. Pres Wade, the former President of Senegal, thought he had enough influence to go to Iran to negotiate for the release of the American hikers. However, Senegal-Iran relations soured after a shipment of arms from Iran to the Gambia was intercepted by authorities in Nigeria in 2010. The Gambia borders the Casamance region of Senegal where separatist groups have been fighting for independence and in 2010 separatist attacks increased.